X1 · Concern about sexual function
Actual Sexual and reproductive health
Definition
The person is worried about changes in sexual ability or desire.- Illness
- medicines
- fear
- relationship strain
- pain
- Loss of desire
- difficulty with function
- worry
- avoidance
📋 Scenario
A man after prostate surgery is worried about erections.
Subjective (S): "I'm worried about sex after surgery."
Objective (O): After prostate surgery; avoids partner; embarrassed; asks quietly.
Assessment tools for this scenario: CP-SEX Sexual & Reproductive Health Check
Validated scales to consider: PLISSIT
**CarePath diagnosis:** Concern about sexual function related to illness, as evidenced by loss of desire and difficulty with function.
**Interventions and rationale**
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Provide privacy. | Sexual concerns are private and embarrassing. A private, unhurried setting helps him speak openly and feel respected. |
| Give information. | Accurate information about recovery after prostate surgery corrects myths and fears, and shows what to expect and which treatments can help. |
| Include the partner. | Sexual function affects both partners. Involving his partner, with his consent, supports communication and reduces misunderstanding and avoidance. |
| Refer to a specialist. | A specialist such as a urologist or sexual health counselor can offer treatments and advice beyond a nurse's scope, which improves his chance of recovery. |
| Respect values. | Personal, cultural and religious values shape how people see sexuality. Respecting them builds trust and keeps advice acceptable to him. |
**Expected outcomes**
- Receives accurate information.
- Discusses with partner.
- Referred to a specialist.
- Reports less worry.
**Linking the data to the diagnosis**
This is an actual problem because worry is already affecting him. The man is after prostate surgery and says, "I'm worried about sex after surgery." He avoids his partner, is embarrassed and asks quietly. The statement is about concern, not a confirmed loss of function, so it fits better than a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction. The plan gives privacy, accurate information, partner involvement and referral, while respecting his values. The aim is that he receives accurate information, discusses it with his partner, is referred to a specialist and reports less worry.
CarePath diagnosis
Concern about sexual function related to illness, as evidenced by loss of desire and difficulty with function.
Interventions and rationale
Listed in priority order.
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| 1. Provide privacy. | Sexual concerns are private and embarrassing. A private, unhurried setting helps him speak openly and feel respected. |
| 2. Give information. | Accurate information about recovery after prostate surgery corrects myths and fears, and shows what to expect and which treatments can help. |
| 3. Include the partner. | Sexual function affects both partners. Involving his partner, with his consent, supports communication and reduces misunderstanding and avoidance. |
| 4. Refer to a specialist. | A specialist such as a urologist or sexual health counselor can offer treatments and advice beyond a nurse's scope, which improves his chance of recovery. |
| 5. Respect values. | Personal, cultural and religious values shape how people see sexuality. Respecting them builds trust and keeps advice acceptable to him. |
Expected outcomes
- Receives accurate information.
- Discusses with partner.
- Referred to a specialist.
- Reports less worry.
Linking the data to the diagnosis
This is an actual problem because worry is already affecting him. The man is after prostate surgery and says, "I'm worried about sex after surgery." He avoids his partner, is embarrassed and asks quietly. The statement is about concern, not a confirmed loss of function, so it fits better than a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction. The plan gives privacy, accurate information, partner involvement and referral, while respecting his values. The aim is that he receives accurate information, discusses it with his partner, is referred to a specialist and reports less worry.